No fewer than 200 women and girls have benefited from a skills-building and empowerment program at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Malaysian Garden, Apo, in the Federal Capital Territory.
The program was organized by the International Commission on Human Rights and the Broken But Mendable Life (BBML) Foundation to commemorate this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence.
NAN informs that the campaign with the motto: ”United! Activism to end violence against women and girls”, calls for action against one of the most persistent human rights violations in the world, which is violence against women.
Mr. Adeoye David, Zonal Coordinator, IHRC, Abuja Chapter, said the training was organized to equip women and girls with the means to function in society.
“As we are aware that we are in the 16 Days of Activism against gender violence and the theme is to end violence against women and girls.
“Basically, we at IHRC saw fit to collaborate with the Broken But Mendable Life Foundation to bring the initiative here.
“We look at it from the fact that if we can empower women then they will be independent, because if a woman is not empowered then the abuse will be more intense.
“But once they are empowered, they will be able to make decisions for themselves and there will be less abuse of them.
“We have specifically trained them in three things, namely soap making, cream making and additive manufacturing, of which we are going to empower those who are serious and willing to be involved,” he said.
Furthermore, Ms. Adaku Akpokodje, IHRC Deputy Coordinator, Abuja Chapter, added that violence against women has been alarming not only in Nigeria but all over the world.
He added that the problem that had been seen as acceptable and normal behavior must be curbed, so empowering them was a way to prevent the threat.
“The truth is that when women are financially empowered, it will be difficult for men to be violent against them or bring them down.
“It is not only physical violence, we are also talking about emotional violence, but if these women empower themselves, they will be able to provide for themselves and take care of their own needs.
“At that time the violence against them will be reduced, although it may take a long time to eliminate it, but little by little we will arrive,” he added.
Mr. Chakule Lawal, the president of the camp, thanked the organizations for training them in the various skills and stressed that it would help them become financially independent.
“I feel very happy about this skills acquisition program presented by the International Commission on Human Rights and the NGO. It is a good development for the whole camp.
“I want the women to also keep practicing what they’ve learned so they can continue the business and it helps their future and the future of their children,” she said.
Ms. Fatima Mohammed, a beneficiary who learned how to dye and dye fabric, thanked the groups for the training.
“We learned very well and we are happy to learn tie and dye, we thank you and God bless you.
“Before, I didn’t have a job, but now I’ve learned something to feed myself,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Ms. Biski Hauwa, who spoke in the Hausa language, also thanked the organizers for their kind gestures.
“I have learned how to make Vaseline and I thank you for teaching us, once I sell the Vaseline I will see money to feed myself and my children,” he said.
NAN reports that the beneficiaries, who were divided into various groups, learned how to make Vaseline, liquid detergent, and how to tie and dye cloth. (NAN)